Paul Lambert confirmed as new manager (reply #544)

[Shrek]

If Lambert comes, We should not buy Holt, he is a MON type signing, old, high cost, high wages and no resale value.
If we want to progress and not end up in our current mess again we need to stay away from Holt, as good a player as he is.

[Matt Collins]

He did have a great season and could be a foil for bent. Though I'm rather hoping we develop a more sophisticated gameplan.

I'd probably rather go for fetcher or pogbreynak though if we did want a target man

Really not sure about the centre midfield position, other than we desperately need someone good, solid, energetic and decent on the ball. Awry from Guthrie, frinpong and diame, I'm short of ideas so perhaps worth looking abroad? There are a few decent French defensive midfielders. Perhaps makoun will come good.

[DrGonzo]

Lambert has a reputation for bringing players up from the lower leagues, not spending over the top on ageing talent.  Just because he had Holt at Norwich wouldn't mean he will want him at VP, Holt was brought in for a small fee to do a job.  Ignore the lazy journalists who are filling space by running the most obvious story they can think up.  Holt is looking for a payday before retirement, let the porn barons have him.  Hopefully Lambert  will bring Ruddy and Hoolahan and any of the youngsters who were up and coming... Andrew Surman and Johnny Howson from memory.

[supertom]

I think we could do with 2 new CM's in truth. I'd like to think Makoun will come good given the chance. So if he stays on then perhaps one decent signing to replace Stan will do.
Perhaps this season Bannan and Delph might come good. I doubt it though. I think GG will do well, as long as we don't play him wide.
We may need a decent new winger too. Personally I'd sell N'Zogbia and buy someone more reliable. Alby deserves another shot.

Fletcher I wouldn't want. Pog is quite decent so wouldn't mind that. Ideal world we'd get Ba but I think if he leaves the Toon, it'll be to a bigger club. Because of his release clause, someone will get a bargain and I think it may be Chelsea or Arsenal.

[Ron Manager]

Lambert has a reputation for bringing players up from the lower leagues, not spending over the top on ageing talent.  Just because he had Holt at Norwich wouldn't mean he will want him at VP, Holt was brought in for a small fee to do a job.  Ignore the lazy journalists who are filling space by running the most obvious story they can think up.  Holt is looking for a payday before retirement, let the porn barons have him.  Hopefully Lambert  will bring Ruddy and Hoolahan and any of the youngsters who were up and coming... Andrew Surman and Johnny Howson from memory.

Why on gods earth would he want to bring Ruddy?  Goalkeeper is the least of our worries. Lambert isnt a done deal yet but
hopefully it will happen this morning.

[DrGonzo]

I'd suggest that Ruddy has the potential to become an excellent keeper.  Given whilst a good shot stopper does not fill me with confidence coming off the line.  Also he is injury prone, without Guzan who would you put in the sticks next time Given gets crocked?  And on half the wages or less than Given is getting.  Any other reasons you want?

[supertom]

I'd suggest that Ruddy has the potential to become an excellent keeper.  Given whilst a good shot stopper does not fill me with confidence coming off the line.  Also he is injury prone, without Guzan who would you put in the sticks next time Given gets crocked?  And on half the wages or less than Given is getting.  Any other reasons you want?

Possibly, if he doesn't mind starting from the bench, and after we've sorted defence and midfield.

Given I still rate higher and his experience is invaluable. I'd like to see how Ruddy handles his 2nd prem season before buying him. Given isn't as injury prone as people seem to think, I know he's no Friedel in that regard but he still played most of the games last season. I'd rather get in a decent number 2, who's young and willing to learn from one of the best in the business.
Shays performances kept us up too. He saved our skin a hell of a lot more than he may have made an error.

[PeterWithe]

You'd question whether first team goalie is going to be a big priority for the new manager.

[Monty]

I agree with Dr Gonzo (maybe not about Ruddy, though who knows, I'm not about to pass judgement on him as I haven't seen him play enough).

Lambert didn't actually sign Holt for Norwich in the first place. He came in and made him captain and so on, but he didn't sign him. I'd like to think he's more imaginative than to sign a 31 year old, essentially lower leagues target man for a club whose fewest problems are up front.

[James]

Let's just hope he brings Culverhouse and Kaylsa with him before we start worrying about players! I'm sure we'll end up paying compo too, the press are just trying to make us look smalltime as usual, fuck 'em!

[Pete3206]

If Lambert comes, We should not buy Holt, he is a MON type signing, old, high cost, high wages and no resale value.
If we want to progress and not end up in our current mess again we need to stay away from Holt, as good a player as he is.

I think Holt is exactly the type of player we need. Big, built like a brick shit house and scores goals. I believe he could work well alongside Bent.

[martyn ellis]

I think someone young and talented like Samir Carruthers might really be allowed to realise his potential under a manager like Lambert. I'm excited by what I've seen of his natural talent. By the same token he might get Bannan and Gardner and Weimann playing to their strengths and developing into exciting talents too. Let's hope. At least it's something to look forward to.

[The Laughing Policeman]

Meaning Evil and 5Live both saying today's the day.

Just a thought, when a new manager is unveiled they normally appear either wearing or holding the shirt of the club they have joined. Does this mean we may get a sneak preview of our new shirt at the press conference?

[Mazrim]

Meaning Evil and 5Live both saying today's the day.

Just a thought, when a new manager is unveiled they normally appear either wearing or holding the shirt of the club they have joined. Does this mean we may get a sneak preview of our new shirt at the press conference?

No, no chance. It will be a scarf or last years shirt. Most likely a scarf.
An outside bet might be some claret and blue Elton John style oversized glasses

[frank black]

I think someone young and talented like Samir Carruthers might really be allowed to realise his potential under a manager like Lambert. I'm excited by what I've seen of his natural talent. By the same token he might get Bannan and Gardner and Weimann playing to their strengths and developing into exciting talents too. Let's hope. At least it's something to look forward to.

If we rely on these kids next season, it's the same struggle again. Most of these players aren't ready or potentially good enough. We need to sign at least 3 experienced players IMO. Give some of the kids a run out when we are 2 nil up with 10-15 mins left.